Man fined RM2,300 for possessing 3l of ketum water

KUALA LUMPUR: A 31-year-old man has been sentenced by a Magistrate's Court here to pay a fine of RM2,300 after he was caught possessing a large amount of ketum water.

Abdul Hadi Zamri was charged with possessing around 3l of the psychotropic substance at a low-cost apartment in Bandar Tasik Selatan at 9pm on April 3 this year.

The charge was framed under Section 30 (3) of the Poisons Act 1952 for possession of the substance which carries a maximum punishment of up to five years imprisonment or a fine of up to RM100,000 or both under Section 30 (5) of the same act.

Abdul Hadi pleaded guilty before Magistrate S. Mageswary here Wednesday (June 21).

The court then meted out the accused's punishment, adding that failure to pay the fine would be result in three months' jail.

The charges were prosecuted by Deputy Public Prosecutor Wardah Nasuha Safian.

The water from ketum leaves is historically used in traditional medicine to treat certain illnesses such as back pain, fever and cough as well as an energy drink.

However, it can also cause stimulant, sedative and euphoria effects which can lead to addiction when consumed excessively.

As such, ketum is considered as a narcotic drug which has been banned for domestic consumption in Malaysia since 2003.